Chris Brown is sentenced in London - but escapes prison

Chris Brown is convicted of "affray" - participation in public fighting or outrageous behavior through violence.

- This was not planned violence. But it was serious violence, said Judge Tony Baumgartner, who emphasized that the law is equal for everyone and that Brown's fame does not give him special treatment.

The judge said Chris Brown had "the leading role in the joint crime" when he attacked a music producer with a bottle in a London nightclub in February 2023. The judge added that Brown's previous violent convictions from 2009 and 2013 could be seen as aggravating circumstances, but that their significance had "diminished significantly" over time.

The Grammy-awarded American r'n'b artist arrived earlier in the day at the court in London wearing a mask, cap and sunglasses. Outside Southwark Crown Court he was greeted by press and visiting fans.

Chris Brown initially denied the allegations, but admitted during the trial that he had been involved in the fight. This against the fact that the prosecutors dropped the more serious charges of assault, attempted grievous bodily harm and possession of a dangerous weapon.

The court was shown surveillance footage from the nightclub where Brown is seen holding the bottle which he then hits the victim in the head with.

- The incident lasted no more than about 20 seconds, but the violence was intense, says the judge.

The victim chose not to appear in court and has previously said he is not behind the charges.